NCAA selection tops UAAP

MANILA, Philippines - The NCAA selections swept their UAAP counterparts in the ABS-CBN’s Bantay Bata 163 UAAP-NCAA All-Star Games at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

The NCAA seniors, led by season MVP John Wilson of Jose Rizal U and finals MVP Jimbo Aquino of San Sebastian, clobbered the UAAP side, 76-60, while the NC juniors nipped the UAAP boys, 85-84.

Wilson churned out 14 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three steals while Aquino drained all but two of his 17 points in the second half to power the NCAA cagers to victory in the 2009 edition of the annual event held to raise funds for the benefit of Bantay Bata 163 children.

Aquino, who pumped in five triples in the final two quarters, was later named the All-Star Game MVP.

“They showed why they’re MVPs,” said NCAA coach Ato Agustin of Wilson and Aquino. Wilson earlier won the three-point shooting contest.

Far Eastern U’s Reil Cervantes paced UAAP with nine points while UAAP finals MVP Rabeh Al-Hussaini of Ateneo and reigning UAAP season MVP Dylan Ababou of Santo Tomas contributed eight and seven points, respectively.

The NCAA won the game even in the absence of San Beda’s American behemoth Sudan Daniel.

Former Mapua and Ateneo champion coach Joel Banal and son Ael teamed up to win the two-ball event, besting four other father-and-son pairs including runners-up Koy and Jonathan Banal and Ato and Jolo Agustin.

Art Dela Cruz, a vital cog in the San Beda Red Cubs’ recent title conquest, powered his way to 17 points on an impressive seven-of-11 shooting clip.

He also had two rebounds, two steals and a block in a remarkable game that earned him the MVP award.

“He played really huge. He was the biggest key,” said NCAA coach Ato Badolato.